Picture this: It’s 2 a.m., earnings just dropped, and instead of waiting for the bell, you trade it immediately.
Welcome to the world of 24-hour trading, a shift that’s not just a rumor…
My dreams could soon come true!
With platforms like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers rolling out extended overnight access, it’s no longer a question of if 24-hour trading becomes the norm. It’s when.
And when it does, the game changes for everyone.
Wanna change the game on Mondays? Are you looking to start your week off with a bang?
Look no further than my newly-discovered setup…
Every Monday, the market kicks back into gear after a weekend of rest… And that reset creates a unique opportunity!
Right at 9:30 am Eastern, as the opening bell rings, we look for a very specific setup that often shows up like clockwork.
And it has delivered some incredible wins!
Take this past Monday, the 28th…
VisionWave Holdings (NASDAQ: VWAV) gained an incredible 443%* after announcing it had obtained major funding for its AI Defense Platform!
These are the kinds of morning spikes we hunt for every Monday!
Want to learn how to spot them for yourself?
Watch the video below for the full trade breakdown and strategy tutorial for my Monday Setup.
Now, before you get too excited about trading those midnight runners, let’s break down the potential pros, cons, and real consequences of a market that never sleeps.
Table of Contents
The Pros: Why Traders Are Buzzing About It
Instant Reaction to News:
Many headlines don’t wait for market hours…
In a 24/7 environment, traders can react right when news hits, not 12 hours later.
This means big gap-ups or gap-downs might shrink. You’ll see real-time volatility instead of delayed panic or euphoria at the open.
Flexibility for Part-Time Traders:
Not everyone can watch the market from 9:30 to 4.
With round-the-clock access, traders juggling jobs or family can finally enter and exit positions on their schedule.
More Global Participation:
If U.S. equities go 24/7, international traders get a seat at the table during their own business hours.
This should increase liquidity, volume, and market efficiency over time.
The Cons: Where Things Could Get Messy
On The Other Hand, Liquidity Could Be a Mirage:
Sure, you can place an order at 3 a.m., but who’s filling it?
Low volume = wide spreads = higher risk.
Without institutional players and big money active overnight, fills could be brutal. You might get in, but not at a price you like.
More Noise, More Emotion:
A non-stop market creates non-stop data, which can burn out even the most disciplined traders.
When every candle matters and every second counts, it becomes harder to filter out what actually matters.
That could lead to more FOMO trades, more chasing, and more emotional decisions.
Danger of Overtrading:
More hours could mean more temptation.
You’ll see setups around the clock, but that doesn’t mean they’re all quality.
Without clear rules and tight discipline, traders might force trades, chase volatility, and ignore risk management just because “the market’s open.”
How This Could Change Day Trading
If 24-hour access becomes standard, expect new patterns to emerge.
Expect algorithmic traders and AI-driven bots to dominate the off-hours. That means faster moves, tighter windows, and a lot more gamesmanship.
In short, if you don’t adapt, you’re gonna get left behind.
What You Should Do Now
Even if full 24-hour trading isn’t here yet, the trend is clear, and you should start preparing today:
- Learn to read after-hours and premarket price action.
- Understand volume and liquidity differences outside regular hours.
- Build a trading plan that includes when not to trade.
- Use scanners and tools like StocksToTrade to catch moves anytime.
Grab your 14-day StocksToTrade + Breaking News Chat trial today for only $17.
Above all, don’t chase setups just because the lights are on.
My 24-Hour Trading-Ready Watchlist
Big Tech and Mega Caps (High Liquidity 24/7):
These names will likely dominate after-hours and overnight sessions because of global exposure, constant news flow, and heavy algo trading.
- Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)
- Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)
- Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)
- Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL)
- Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA)
- Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)
- Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META)
Because of their high prices, these names are more suited to swing trading.
And remember, if you can’t afford these expensive tickers, you can always use options to get in on the price action.
Globally Sensitive Stocks (Geopolitical + Commodity Tied):
These are heavily influenced by macro events, currencies, and commodities… Perfect for overnight reactions.
- Alibaba (NYSE: BABA)
- Shell (NYSE: SHEL)
- SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSE: GLD)
- iShares Silver Trust ETF (NYSE: SLV)
PR-Heavy Small Caps (Active in Premarket/After-Hours):
If the right news hits, these are your potential gap-and-go runners, even in the middle of the night.
- Meme Stocks
- Crypto-related names
- Any recent runner with a float under 10 million shares
Popular ETFs (Volatility + Volume):
Expect these names to keep running in 24-hour sessions thanks to volume, trader interest, and tight spreads.
- S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY)
- Nasdaq 100 ETF (NASDAQ: QQQ)
- Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE: IWM)
- Bitcoin Futures ETF (NYSE: BITO)
My Final Thoughts…
24-hour trading sounds like a dream for some, especially me…
But it could be a nightmare for others.
The potential is massive: more flexibility, real-time news reactions, and global access…
But so is the risk: thin volume, emotional burnout, and a market full of noise.
Whether the market is open 6 hours or 24, your edge comes from preparation, risk management, and staying grounded in your plan.
Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here on Monday.
Tim Bohen
Lead Trainer, StocksToTrade
P.S.
Learn to trade this specific breakout play.
Don’t let market overreaction to earnings kill your trading strategy.
This is the last thing you should think about when you’re trading.